Access control systems, CCTV, alarms and fire protection equipment for your warehouse or distribution centre.
Alarm systems – Which, why and how?
A monitored alarm system might just be the most important component of warehouse security. Out of hours thefts can ruin a business, an alarm when triggered, notifies the monitoring centre immediately, alerting the owner or emergency services of the situation as it’s happening. The systems typically consist of a control panel, communication system and sensors on doors, vehicle shutters and windows, including sensors and motion detectors.
Benefits of alarm systems for warehouses
- Instant response – the monitoring system provides real-time updates on the situation, giving keyholders time to respond to trespassing individuals.
- Remote monitoring – internet allows remote monitoring for both yourself and keyholders to view cameras to see that your premises are safe.
Alarm systems can be integrated with other components such as smoke, fire detectors and camera systems
Fire Security Systems – Which, why and how?
Fire alarm systems are an integral part of safety and security in warehouses, for legal and insurance compliance, protection of goods and equipment and the wellbeing of employees. The right fire alarm system can make all the difference when it comes to saving lives.
Benefits of fire alarm systems in warehouses
The main purpose of a fire alarm system is to raise the alarm in the event of a fire, to save lives and protect property. Nothing is more important than the lives of those working on or visiting your premises. While an alarm doesn’t necessarily extinguish the flames, it can alert people within the building and local authorities to the issue, hopefully preventing the loss of life and property.
In order to determine which type of fire safety system is most suitable for your warehouse, we can arrange for a fire risk assessment to be carried out by an accredited fire officer to identify potential fire hazards, reduce the risk of these hazards and create a plan to implement safety measures.
Fire detection systems:
- Automatic Alarm Systems
These systems are triggered by conditions that would suggest there is a fire, such as heat, smoke in the air.
- Manual Call Points
These conspicuous boxes are found near exits, fixtures or machinery in a place where they’re unobstructed and allow an individual to raise an alarm upon discovering a fire.
Also, remember that emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, regular maintenance and testing, fire safety training and a well-rehearsed evacuation plan are all vital in ensuring the efficacy of your fire safety system.
Access Control – Which, why and how?
- Smart card readers
Authorised personnel are issued a card that contains a computer chip capable of data verification and encryption. By tapping the card on an entry point, a user will be granted entry according to the permissions dictated by the chip and the internal system.
- Key fobs
In a similar way, staff and external contractors can be provided with a key fob that communicates with the control system and grants the bearer access based on pre-determined eligibility.
- PIN access
Administrators can assign a unique PIN to each user, selecting the areas of the building they have permission to access. This code can be distributed privately to its individual and used by them to enter or exit the relevant areas.
- ANPR (automatic number plate readers)
For vehicular access, automated and contactless entry is the way forward. ANPR (automatic number plate readers) scan a vehicle’s number plate and, providing their registration has been authorised by the administrator, allow access to the distribution centre.
- RFID – Radio Frequency Identification
Forklifts, embedding or mounting an RFID chip (radio frequency identification)somewhere on the vehicle makes it recognisable either mid or long-range by the reader. This allows them to move easily between restricted areas.
The benefits of access control for warehouses
- Safe working environment
Warehouses tend to house large quantities of valuable goods, such as electronics and branded clothing. This makes them a target for intruders. Implementing an access control system helps prevent these individuals from gaining entry at all and will provide an accurate report of when and where they breached your security in the event of them finding a way around it. This also protects staff from suspicion, as it will be clear from the automated log whether or not their credentials were used at the time of the incident.
It also prevents staff from encountering potentially dangerous, unauthorised trespassers. Standard keys can be lost, stolen or copied but biometric or encrypted data keeps your premises and employees secure.
- Emergency protocols
Your site administrator can pre-programme the response of your access system in a given emergency situation. For example, in the event of a fire, all doors can be released or locked down if there’s an attempted theft.
Carrying out a detailed risk assessment of your premises will dictate the level of security required, as different systems offer different benefits.
- Quicker, more accurate admin
As the system automatically logs staff who use their credentials to access restricted areas, administration work isn’t nearly as laborious. The reports of personnel present will be more accurate than manual records as they’re not subject to human error. These records also ensure everyone is safe and accounted for in case of an emergency.
Pairing access control systems with CCTV is a great way of enhancing their efficacy.
CCTV – Which, why and how?
As we mentioned, warehouses are often appealing to thieves and CCTV is excellent protection against security threats. The presence of CCTV alone is often enough to deter a potential intruder for fear of being captured doing something incriminating.
- Dome CCTV cameras
The compact design of these cameras means they blend in with their environment while effectively monitoring employees and goods. They’re versatile and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
- Bullet CCTV cameras
Conversely to the dome camera, bullet CCTV cameras are conspicuous and provide an excellent visual deterrent. They’re also compact and boast high-performance levels and picture quality.
- PTZ surveillance cameras
Pan, tilt and zoom cameras have a built-in function to do just that; pan, tilt and zoom! They’re ideal for warehouses as a single camera can cover a large area and has the ability to focus on specific objects, offering optimum detection of threats and monitoring of suspicious activity.
- Covert CCTV cameras
It’s an unfortunate fact that warehouses frequently experience theft by their operatives. Accusing an employee of theft is murky territory so undeniable evidence is needed before proceeding. Covert cameras can provide that evidence and help in identifying the culprit.
- Thermal CCTV cameras
Organised thieves are most likely to target warehouses at night and thermal cameras are unique in providing images that the standard camera cannot.
They detect heat using an integrated infrared sensor and translate objects into a colour image scale. This means they’re capable of operation in no and low light settings.
Benefits of CCTV cameras in warehouses
Before purchasing a new CCTV system it’s important to determine your needs. The size of your warehouse, the number of staff entry and exit points and the nature of your goods are all considerations. Regardless of the type of camera you choose, there are some universal benefits.
- Deterrence
As mentioned, sometimes the visual presence of a CCTV camera is sufficient in deterring a potential intruder. Criminals are far less likely to target premises with CCTV installed.
- Health and safety practices
CCTV is a great way to monitor the use of machinery and other working practices. Reviewing the footage will allow you to refresh your safety processes and identify areas that need improvement.
- Compliance
In the event of best practices not being adhered to, CCTV footage can help you avoid costly personal injury claims should an employee sustain an injury as a result of company procedures not being followed.
- Staff confidence
As CCTV encourages best working practices and reduces the chances of theft or intrusion, staff feel assured of their safety. This is especially important for those working in quiet periods or low light, such as night shift workers.
AWS are experts when it comes to access control, CCTV, alarms and fire safety systems. If you’re thinking of upgrading your warehouse security and safety measures then we can provide the knowledge to help you find the best solutions for you. Our experienced fitters will install your new equipment from our top-quality suppliers with minimal fuss so that you can have peace of mind that your property, goods and, most importantly, your staff are protected in case of emergency.
Call us today on 01582 730241 to get started.